Colchester and Ipswich Museums wins national award

Published2nd July 2021

Last night saw Ipswich Museums declared as national WINNER of the ‘Community Impact’ award at the 2021 International Museums + Heritage Awards for our Museum from Home activity packs. Our entry beat competition from innovative museum engagement projects around the country to win this prestigious award. 

We worked with local partners - including Volunteering Matters, Suffolk Parent and Carers Network and Suffolk Libraries - to develop these activity packs for use by children during lockdown. Over 1200 activity packs that included art materials and activities inspired by the Ipswich Museums' collections were distributed in Ipswich to a range of groups – children aged 7 to 11, children with Special Educational Needs, under 5s and young adults. 

Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums says:

 “I was really pleased when we were short-listed against stiff competition for this national award. I’m now thrilled that we have won.

“It’s a wonderful achievement for Ipswich that the quality of these materials has now been recognised nationally. We hope the children and young people who were reached through the project will now visit and enjoy our Museums soon and we look forward to welcoming them. My thanks go to  our community partners,  to Arts Council England, and to our Museum staff – especially Eleanor Root, whose dedication and energy were so crucial to making it a success.”